Asymmetrically releasable fastener system and cuff for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A fastener system comprising a strap incorporating a plurality of teeth and comprising a buckle incorporating a plurality of slots. The strap can be engaged by the buckle such that the strap resists disengagement by a separating force applied generally equally across the width of the strap and the buckle, but will disengage upon application of an asymmetrical force applied proximate either just to the top edge or just to the bottom edge of the buckle and strap. The fastener system can be associated with a cuff or other article so as to releasably maintain two opposing side edges of the cuff in proximity to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/246,980, filed Apr. 7, 2014, entitled ASYMMETRICALLY RELEASABLEFASTENER SYSTEM AND CUFF FOR USE THEREWITH, which claims the benefit ofexpired U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/808,724, filed Apr.5, 2013, entitled EQUINE BOOT, and commonly assigned to the assignee ofthe present application, the disclosures of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fastener systems comprisinga buckle into which a strap can be inserted. The present disclosure alsorelates to a fastener system incorporated into an object for releasablyfastening two portions of the object.

BACKGROUND

Many fastener systems exist for joining and separating two objects ortwo portions of an object. Buckle and strap-type fastener systems thatuse teeth to engage slots or other mating devices have existed for sometime. Such systems typically resist separation when a separation forceis applied in opposite directions to the buckle and the strap.Generally, the fastener resists a separation force applied across thewidth of the strap and the buckle. The strap is typically released fromthe buckle by some mechanism, such as a lever or some other device thatfacilitates or permits disengagement of the teeth.

It would be desirable to have a fastener system that would resistseparation when a separating force is applied roughly across much of thewidth of the buckle and the belt, but would permit separation where theseparation forces are applied asymmetrically to the buckle and thestrap, thereby obviating the need for manipulating a portion of thebuckle to disengage some device before the teeth can be disengaged.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. Thesummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neitherintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor todelineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merelypresents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description below.

In exemplary embodiments, a fastener system is provided A fastenersystem, comprising a buckle comprising a base, top member having a frontedge and a rear edge, the top member being associated with the base at atop member first leg and second leg, the top member further having anupper surface, a channel defined between the base, the top member andthe first and second legs, and a plurality of generally parallel slotsdefined in the top member, each slot having a front side being generallystraight, a rear side being curved and being tapered in a direction fromthe top member rear edge toward the top member front edge. The fastenersystem further comprises a strap adapted to releasably be engaged in thechannel, the strap comprising first end portion, a second end portion, atop side edge and a bottom side edge, and a plurality of teethassociated with and extending generally upward from proximate to thefirst end portion, each tooth having an elongated first side wallextending generally perpendicularly upward from the strap, and anelongated second side wall tapering from the first side wall in adirection from the strap first end portion toward the second endportion, the second side wall being curved, each tooth further includinga first short edge and opposing second short edge, each short edgehaving a shoulder. Each slot is adapted to engage a tooth when the strapfirst end portion and at least one tooth are inserted into the bucklechannel such that the strap top edge is proximate to the top memberfirst side edge. The strap is adapted to disengage from the buckle whena first force is exerted on an area proximate to the buckle top memberfirst side edge and a second opposing force is exerted on an areaproximate to the strap top side edge, the first and second forces beinggenerally in opposing directions with respect to each other so as tocause the tooth first short edge area of at least one tooth to disengagefrom the slot prior to the remainder of the tooth disengaging, the slotbeing the one in which such tooth had been engaged.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system is adapted to beassociated with a generally conical frustum-shaped cuff.

In exemplary embodiments, provided is a cuff having a releasablefastener, comprising a cuff comprising generally frustum-shaped bodyhaving a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having adiameter wider than the top portion, and further having a front portion,rear portion, top edge and bottom edge, first side edge and second sideedge, whereby the first side edge and second side edge are proximate toeach other at the front portion. Further included is a fastener systemas described hereinabove, whereby when a first asymmetrical separatingforce is exerted on an area of the top portion of the cuff first sideand proximate to the buckle top member first side edge and a secondopposing asymmetrical separating force is exerted on an area of the topportion of the cuff second side and proximate to the strap top sideedge, the first and second separating forces being generally in opposingdirections with respect to each other so as to cause the tooth firstshort edge area of at least one tooth to disengage from the slot priorto the remainder of the tooth, the slot being the one in which suchtooth had been engaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings disclose exemplary embodiments in which like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of afastener system.

FIG. 2 is a first front perspective view of a detail of the buckle ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of a detail of the buckle of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top schematic perspective view of a strap of the embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view in partial cutaway of the buckle.

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the strap inserted into the buckle.

FIG. 7 is a detail partial cutaway view of the strap inserted into thebuckle.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a fastener system associated with acuff according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the buckle in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the buckle in the open position.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing partial disengagement of the teethfrom the slots.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of afastener system and a cuff, showing the lines of asymmetric separatingforce.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fastener system and cuff of FIG.12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the fastener system and cuff ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the fastener system and cuff ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a is a top plan view of the fastener system and cuff of FIG.12

FIG. 17 a front schematic view of a buckle and strap showing force linesM1 and M2 applied generally symmetrically at the middle portions of thebuckle and the strap.

FIG. 18 a front schematic view of a buckle and strap showing force linesT1 and T1 applied generally asymmetrically at the top portion of thebuckle and the strap.

FIG. 19 a front schematic view of a buckle and strap showing force linesB1 and B1 applied generally asymmetrically at the bottom portion of thebuckle and the strap.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of adisengaged fastener system and a fabric or other flexible materialarticle, such as, but not limited to, a jacket sleeve or pant leg.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of anengaged fastener system of the article of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a shoeincorporating a fastener system as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (forexample, cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, orthe like) together with the specification, and are to be considered aportion of the entire written description. As used herein, the terms“horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well asadjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (for example,“horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, or the like), simply refer tothe orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawingfigure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. When the words “equine”and “horse” are used they are intended to include all animals resemblinga horse and having hooves similar in shape to a horse even thoughsmaller. Thus, the latter two terms are intended to include hoovedanimals of all types, including, but not limited to, mules, ponies ofall types, zebras, cows, and the like.

In exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-19 a fastener system 10generally includes a buckle 20 and a strap 22.

In exemplary embodiments, the buckle 20 comprises a base 30 and a topmember 32. The top member 32 has a front edge 34 and a rear edge 36, anda top edge 38 and a bottom edge 40 (when viewed from the top, such as inFIG. 1). The top member 32 is associated with the base 30 by a first leg42 and a second leg 44. The top member 32 has an upper surface 46 and alower surface 48. The lower surface 48, the first and second legs 42, 44and the base 30 define a channel 50 and a channel opening 52 areathrough which the strap 22 can be inserted. In exemplary embodiments,the buckle 20 may be generally rectangular shaped (when viewed from thetop, as in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the buckle 20 may have front and rearedges 34, 36 that are nonparallel with respect to each other.

In exemplary embodiments, the top member upper surface 46 may be bowedor curved (with respect to the generally flat base) across at least aportion of the distance between the first and second legs 42, 44. Aplurality of generally parallel slots 60 are defined in the lowersurface 48 of the top member 32. Each slot 60 has an elongated firstside 62 being generally straight and an opposing elongated second side64. The slot 60 also includes first and second short side edges 66, 68.In exemplary embodiments, the first and second short side edges 66, 68each have a shoulder 70, 72, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, theshoulders 70, 72 are each at an angle generally perpendicular to the topmember upper surface 46. The second side 64 is curved away from thefirst side 62 and at least a portion of which is tapered in a directionfrom the top member rear edge 36 toward the top member front edge 34.

In exemplary embodiments, the top member front edge 34 may be beveled orraised in a boss 74 to increase the size of the initial opening of thechannel and to make it easier to insert the strap into the channel. Inexemplary embodiments, the rear edge may have a raised area or boss 76similar to the front edge boss 72. In exemplary embodiments, thegripping boss 74 may comprise one or more grip enhancing means 75 forimproving the ability to grip the leading edge of the buckle, such aswhen the buckle or fingers are wet or gritty. In exemplary embodiments,the gripping boss 74 may be a flange extending upward from a portion ofthe buckle leading edge. In exemplary embodiments, the gripping boss 74may comprise a recessed area cut into the leading edge of the leadingedge of the buckle. The recessed area may be an under cut that isbeveled to create a notched area. In exemplary embodiments, the grippingboss 74 may comprise a notched area in the leading edge of the buckle20. In exemplary embodiments, the undercut area may include one or moreridges, bumps or other protrusions, or may include one or more grooves,slots, or other recessed areas to further enhance the ability to gripthe leading edge of the buckle 20.

In exemplary embodiments, each slot 60 may generally form in the topmember 32 a negative of generally an equivalent shape as a “positive”tooth does extending from the strap 22, as described in further detailherein.

In exemplary embodiments, the slots 60 are generally parallel andabutting or proximate to each other, with the first side wall 62 of oneslot 60 abutting or proximate to the second side wall 64 of an adjacentslot 60.

In exemplary embodiments, the strap 22 has a top face 80, bottom face82, a first end portion 84 and a second end portion 86. The strap 22also has a top edge 87 and a bottom edge 88. In exemplary embodiments, aplurality of teeth 90 extending upwardly from the top face 80. The teeth90 are adapted to engage the buckle slots 60 when the strap 22 isinserted into the buckle channel 50.

In exemplary embodiments, each tooth 90 has an elongated first side wall92 extending generally perpendicularly (or at a slight angle from theperpendicular) upward from the top face 80, and an elongated second sidewall 94 tapering from the first side wall 94 in a direction from thestrap first end portion 84 toward the second end portion 86. Inexemplary embodiments, the first side wall 92 is generally straight andthe second side wall 94 is curved. The tooth 90 further includes a firstshort edge 96 and opposing second short edge 98. In exemplaryembodiments, each short side edge has a shoulder 100, 102, respectively.In exemplary embodiments, the shoulders 100, 102 are each at an anglegenerally perpendicular to the top face 80.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system 10 may be associated withan object or article(s) having generally opposing (though notnecessarily parallel or perpendicular) portions that can be drawn intoproximity to each other and fastened in place. In exemplary embodiments,the object may be a cuff. The reference herein to a cuff is intended tobe a nonlimiting example. Other exemplary embodiments of objects andarticles are described in further detail hereinbelow.

In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of a cuff 110 may have agenerally conical frustum shape and having a first portion 112 having afirst side edge 114 and a second portion 116 having an opposing a secondside edge 118. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second side edges114, 118 are proximate to or abutting each other. The first and secondside edges 114, 118 may be maintained in this relationship (orseparated) by means of the fastener system 10. The cuff 110 also has atop portion 120 terminating in a top rim 122 and a bottom portion 124terminating in a bottom rim 126. In exemplary embodiments, the cuff 110may be made of a material flexible enough for a user to be able toseparate the first and second side edges 114, 118 so that the cuff 110may be slipped over or around an object. In alternative exemplaryembodiments, the cuff 110 may have a first section and a second section,each section having a first and a second side, whereby the first sectionand second section are attached by a hinge at the first side of each.The hinge may be a flexible portion of material, or the hinge may be apin that connects two wing portions, one wing portion associated withthe first side of each cuff section.

The second portion 86 of the strap 22 is adapted to be associated withthe second portion 116 of the cuff 110, such as by adhesive, sonicwelding, fusing, sewing, fasteners, or the like, or may be formed aspart of the cuff 110. The buckle 20 may be associated with the firstportion 112 of the cuff 110 in a similar manner. It is to be understoodthat the buckle 20 and strap 22 can be reversed in their associationwith the first and second portions 112, 116 of the cuff.

In exemplary embodiments, the buckle 20 and strap 22 may be associatedwith a cuff 110 at a position proximate to the bottom (wider) portion ofthe cuff. This configuration can allow for easier separation of thestrap 22 from the buckle 20 as a user grasping the top portion 120 ofthe cuff 110 will have greater leverage and can create a greater anglebetween the top edge 38 of the buckle and the top edge 87 of the strap22, thereby enabling the teeth 90 to disengage from the slots 60.

In exemplary embodiments, the front edge 34 of the buckle 20 isgenerally parallel to the first side edge 114 (or, if the buckle 20 isassociated with the second portion 116, it is generally parallel to thesecond side edge 118).

In exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the teeth 90 and slots 60is related to the flexibility of the buckle 20 and strap 22 material andthe material of the cuff 110. For example, a softer, more flexiblematerial may have a tooth 90 configured with the first side wall 92being less than 90 degrees (i.e., less than perpendicular to the topface of the strap) to compensate for the softer material and the forcerequired to separate the teeth 90 from the slots 60.

The strap 22 can be inserted into the channel 50 via the opening 52. Theteeth 90 engage with the slots 60 to maintain the strap 22 (or at leasta portion thereof) in engagement with the buckle 20. This tooth-in-slotengagement resists separation when a separating force is exertedgenerally across the width of the strap 22 or the buckle 20 or both.

The strap 20 is adapted to disengage from the buckle 20 when a firstforce is exerted on an area proximate to the buckle 20 top member 32 topedge 38 and a second opposing force is exerted on an area proximate tothe strap 22 top side edge 87, the first and second forces beinggenerally in opposing directions with respect to each other. Theseparating forces cause the first short edge area 96 of at least onetooth 90 to disengage from the slot 60 in which that tooth 90 is engagedprior to the remainder of the tooth 90 disengaging.

In exemplary embodiments, when separation is desired, the separatingforce is applied asymmetrically; i.e., it is not applied equally acrossthe width of the buckle 20 or the strap 22. The structure andinteraction of the teeth 90 and the slots 60 are the reason for thisasymmetrical separation force feature. When a separating force isexerted at either the top or bottom edge 38, 40 of the buckle 20 and thetop or bottom edges of the 87, 88, the strap 22, one short side edge 96of the tooth 90, which also has a shorter height than the middle portionof the curved portion of the tooth 90, is dislodged from the slot 60more easily (i.e., with less force) than the middle portion of the tooth90, which has a greater height and is therefore more deeply engaged inthe slot 60. The (top 87 or bottom 88) edge of the strap 22 to which theseparating force is applied, slides slightly in the channel 50, which isfollowed by the rest of the strap 22 sliding out of the channel 50.

It is to be understood that the amount of separating force applied tothe top 38 or bottom 40 edge of the buckle 20 and the strap 22 may beuneven; in other words, there may be more separating force applied tothe buckle 20 than to the strap 22, or vice versa. It is to be furtherunderstood that in exemplary embodiments, the asymmetrical separatingforce may be applied to just the buckle 20 or to just the strap 22. Itis to be understood that reference to the pulling force being atgenerally the top or bottom edge is intended to mean that the pullingforce is exerted generally more at the top or bottom rather than at themiddle of the strap 22. This asymmetrical separating force concept isshown in FIGS. 17-19, which show force lines T (top), B (bottom), and M(middle). The areas of the buckle 20 or strap 22 associated with theforce lines represent the general areas of the structure to which theforce is applied.

It is to be understood that in the foregoing discussion of the locationon the buckle or the strap of the pulling force, reference to a top orbottom edge of the buckle or strap is intended to include the areagenerally near that edge, not just the edge itself.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system of the present disclosureis designed so that when the strap 22 is retained in the buckle 20, thestrap 22 resists disengagement when the separating force is applied togenerally the middle of the strap 22 and the middle of the buckle 20, orwhen the separating force is applied generally evenly across asignificant portion of the width of the buckle 20 and a significantportion of the width of the strap 22.

The separating force required to initiate disengagement of the strap 22is lower at the areas proximate to either the top edge or bottom edge ofthe buckle 20 and strap 22 than at the middle. The separating forceneeded to disengage the strap 22 from the buckle 20 is higher where theseparating force is applied generally evenly across the width of thebuckle 20 and the strap 22 than the separating force applied to theeither the top or bottom side edge area of the buckle 20 and the strap22.

In exemplary embodiments, the strap 22 can also be separated from thebuckle 20 by applying a lifting or pulling force (illustrated in FIG. 11as force line L) on the top member the front edge of the buckle 20 so asto slightly pull the top member front edge away from the base, therebyincreasing the height of the channel and allowing the teeth to disengagefrom the slots.

In exemplary embodiments, a fastener as described herein can be usefulin situations where it is undesirable for the buckle 20 and strap 22 toseparate when separating force is evenly applied across the width or atthe middle of the buckle 20 and the strap 22, but separation isdesirable when the separation force is applied asymmetrically at the topor bottom side of the buckle 20 and strap 22.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system described herein may beused in conjunction with a boot designed for use with a horse or otherhoofed animal. When engaged in vigorous jumping, running, turning,stopping, and/or accelerating the horse frequently overreaches with ahind leg causing the front of a rear hoof to strike the rear of a fronthoof and/or leg which may cause injury which can temporarily, orsometimes permanently, incapacitate or handicap the horse.

FIG. 12-16 shows one exemplary embodiment of a fastener system 10 usedwith a cuff 110 comprising an equine boot 140 having a first portion 112and a first edge 114, and a second portion 116 having a second edge 118.The boot 140 has a top portion 120 and a top rim 122, and also has abottom portion 124 and a bottom rim 126. The boot 140 is adapted to wraparound the bottom portion of a leg. The boot 140 has a seam 128 in thefront of the boot 140 where the first edge 114 and the second edge 118meet or are in proximity to one another. In exemplary embodiments, theboot 140 is generally conical frustum-shaped, with the top rim 122having a narrower diameter than the bottom rim 126.

In exemplary embodiments, the boot 140 may be made of a materialsufficiently flexible so that the boot 140 can be removed from the lowerleg of a horse, but is strong enough to provide protection for thesensitive areas of the hoof. Also, the boot 140 must have sufficientweight to stay in the correct position with respect to the hoof and toprevent it from rotating about the hoof. For example, the boot 140 maybe constructed from an elastomeric material such as a polyurethanehaving a durometer range of about 60 A-80 A. Other materials havingsimilar properties may also be substituted as will be evident to personsof ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

In exemplary embodiments, the boot 140 has a bottom rim 126 that extendsfrom the back portion 130 of the boot toward the front portion 132. Thebottom rim 126 is angled upward such that the back wall 134 of the boot140 is longer than the front wall 136 at the first and second edges 114,118. The inside surface 138 of the boot 140 curves inward forming anarea 142 having an increased thickness. The boot 140 curves inwardtoward the top portion 120. The curvature conforms to the anatomy of thelower leg and provides for positioning the boot 140 below the fetlock.With regard to the orientation of FIG. 14, in exemplary embodiments, theback 130 or right hand side of the boot 140 is designed to be heaviersuch that the center of gravity is disposed toward the back 130 or righthand side of the boot 140. This positioning for the center of gravitykeeps the back of the boot 140 down and to the back of the hoof whichhelps to hold it in place.

Turning to FIG. 16, a top plan view shows the overall shape of the boot140. The boot 140 includes the back wall 134 which may be generally flator having less curvature than the surrounding area. On each side of theboot 140 at the bottom portion 124 there may be a curved transitionsection 144, 146 leads to an outwardly angled section 148, 150. Theoutwardly angled section 148, 150 leads to a curved section 152 thatextends around the front. On the top of the boot 140 there is anoutwardly flanged top section 154 forming the top rim 122 having asimilar shape. At the back of the top rim 122 an inwardly extendingportion 156 is visible. The inwardly extending portion 108 provides formaintaining the position of the boot 140 on the lower leg and preventsrotation.

In FIG. 8, a side view of the boot 140 shows the curvature at the backof the boot 140. The boot 140 curves inward and then outward inhourglass fashion at the back 134. The angled bottom rim 126 is shownrelative to an imaginary horizontal line. The additional length at theback 134 of the boot 140 provides for proper positioning of the boot 140on the lower leg of the horse.

When the boot 140 is positioned around the leg, the first edge 114 andthe second edge 118 are proximate to or abutting each other and can bemaintained in a generally fixed relationship by means of the fastenersystem 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system 10 may be constructed of asuitable thermoplastic as will be evident to those of ordinary skill inthe art based on this disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the buckle44 may be molded from PELLETHANE® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)2102-90A, commercially available from The Lubrizol Corporation inWickliffe, Ohio. In exemplary embodiments, the strap 22 may beconstructed of a polyurethane with a hardness of about 55 D. Othermaterials may also be suitable including other thermoplastics or otherflexible materials and the like.

In exemplary embodiments, in an alternative method of releasing thestrap 22 from the buckle 20, the user may slightly lift a gripping boss74 formed at the front of the opening. By pulling up on the grippingboss 74, the material deforms as the height of the channel 50 increasesand the top of the buckle 20 (and the slots 60) at least partiallydisengage from the teeth 90 allowing the teeth 90 and the strap 22 toslide out of the channel 50, thereby releasing the strap 22.

The teeth 90 are pulled away from the slots 60 as shown in FIG. 11. Oncethe slots 60 and the teeth 90 are disengaged, the strap 22 can be easilyremoved from the buckle 20 and the boot 140 can be removed from aroundthe lower leg of the horse.

Turning to FIGS. 9-11, the operation of the buckle 38 is shown in adetailed side view. In FIG. 9, the strap 86 has been inserted into thereceiving member 74 and the teeth 83 on the strap 86 are lockinglyengaged with the slots 80 in the receiving member 74 such that the strap86 can be moved in the first direction 139 but cannot be moved in thesecond direction 142 because the teeth 83 engage with the second walls136. FIG. 10 shows the male buckle member 41 and the female bucklemember 44 before they are engaged by pushing the strap 86 into thereceiving member 74 in the direction 139. In FIG. 11, the strap 86 isbeing released from the receiving member 74 by asymmetrically pullingthe first and second edges of the boot 140 apart proximate to the topportion 120.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a fastener system may comprise abuckle having, rather than slots, a plurality of teeth extendingdownward from a top member toward a base, each tooth being as describedherein above with respect to the teeth 83. Additionally, a strap mayinclude, rather than teeth, a plurality of slots that are adapted toengage the teeth in the buckle.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener described herein can be used withobjects other than a cuff, such as, but not limited to, a helmet chinstrap, belt, strapping system, safety vest, harness, and otherstructures where the typical separating forces exerted on the buckle andstrap are typically evenly spaced across the width of the buckle and thestrap, but not where the separating force is typically exerted at oneside or the other of the buckle and the strap.

In one exemplary embodiment, a race driver's helmet chin strap systemmay have one end of the strap associated at one end with a buckle asdescribed herein. The other end of the strap may be associated with astrap as described herein. When the buckle and strap are fastenedtogether, the fastener may resist disengagement when the separatingforce on each of the helmet's chin straps are generally evenly acrossthe width of the chin straps, such as in the situation of a front endcollision, when the driver's head is thrust forward and the helmet andchin straps are generally forced forward by momentum. The driver canseparate the buckle from the strap by pulling each chin strap proximateto the buckle and the strap at the top side or bottom side of each.

In one exemplary embodiment, a fastener system as described herein maybe used with a cuff made of a flexible material in which the diameter ofthe cuff can be reduced when the buckle is engaged with the strap. Insuch an embodiment, a cuff is provided that has a generally cylindricalshape or conical frustum shape, and may be formed as a roughly barrelshape without first and second side edges, as illustrated in FIGS.20-21, or may have an opening formed by a first side edge and secondside edge, as described hereinabove. The cuff may be formed of aflexible material, such as, but not limited to, fabric, film, plastic,cloth, or the like, or possibly a material having flutes. The cuffcircumference generally has a first section and a second section. Abuckle according to exemplary embodiments described herein is associatedwith the first section and a strap according to exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein is associated with the second section. In a firstexpanded configuration the cuff has a diameter D1. A user can fit thecuff over an object, such as, but not limited to an arm, wrist, or leg,a tree, or other object whereby the cuff diameter D1 is substantiallylarger than the width or diameter of the object around which the cuff isfitted. The user desiring to reduce the diameter D1 can engage the strapwith the buckle to effectively gather a portion of the cuff materialdisposed between the points where the buckle and strap are associatedwith the first and second sections of the cuff, thereby reducing thecuff diameter to a diameter D2. This can effectively make the cuff fitmore snugly around the object it is fitted. When a user wants to expandthe cuff he or she disengages the strap as described hereinabove. It isto be understood that the term cuff is meant to include both the “end”of a length of material (e.g., a shirt sleeve, pant leg, or the like) aswell as any portion between two ends (e.g., the elbow or knee portion ofa sleeve or pant leg). The references to clothing articles are intendedas being exemplary only and not limiting the cuff to clothing articles.Such a cuff in this embodiment may also be, but it not limited to, amaterial that can be

The cuff in such an exemplary embodiment may have first and second sideedges that can be joined together, such as by a zipper, buttons, snaps,hook and loop fastener, or other fastening means. This would allow thecuff to be fitted around an object, such as a tree, where isimpracticable to slide it over an end of the object. Alternatively, thefirst and second side edges may be connected by at least one strip ofelastic material.

In exemplary embodiments, a fastenable strap or belt (referred tohereinbelow as a belt only to distinguish for the reader this structurefrom the strap 22 that is part of the fastener system) is providedincorporating a fastener system as described herein. A belt may be alength of material that is made of a flexible material. Alternatively,the belt may made of a set of links or sections of rigid material thatare connected, such as, but not limited to, chain links, loops.Alternatively, the belt may be made of a plurality of sections that areeach connected by a hinge or pin. In exemplary embodiments, at least aportion of the belt may be made of an elastic material. At opposing endsof the belt are associated a buckle and a strap as described in one ofthe exemplary embodiments provided herein. The belt can be fastenedaround an object. The belt will resist expansion of its diameter (beyondthe expandability of the belt material) when expansion force is appliedgenerally symmetrically across the width of the buckle and the strap.The belt buckle and strap can be disengaged from one another by a userexerting asymmetrical separating force at the top edge of the buckleand/or the strap, or at the bottom edge of the buckle and/or strap.

In exemplary embodiments, the fastener system as described herein invarious embodiments may be incorporated into or associated with objectsin which the buckle is associated with an object or portion thereof thatis generally immovable with respect to the strap, or vice versa (i.e.,the strap portion being immovable with respect to the buckle). In anexemplary embodiments, a user wishing to disengage the strap from thebuckle may pull on, in which the buckle is relatively immovable, theuser can grasp the strap portion and pull from generally the top or thebottom edge to disengage the strap from the buckle channel. Conversely,where the strap is relatively immovable, the buckle can be similarlygrasped and pulled away from the strap by pulling at generally the topor bottom edge of the buckle.

Horse leg boots, clothing, footwear, jewelry, backpacks, arm or waisttechnology holders, pet collars and leads, cargo and tie down straps,lanyards, safety latches for child and/or home security, luggage,athletic braces and supports, slings.

In one exemplary embodiment, the fastener system as described herein maybe used with a shoe, as illustrated in FIG. 22, in which a shoe (or aboot) has a buckle associated with a first facing of the shoe and astrap associated with a second facing of the shoe. In exemplaryembodiments, two or more buckles and straps can be associated with theshoe. In exemplary embodiments, the shoe can be the part of a skindiving or scuba diving fin in which the diver's foot is placed. Thebuckle and strap can be associated with either side of the top of thefin area so that a user's foot can be inserted in the shoe area and thenstrapped in by fastening the fastener.

Although only a number of exemplary embodiments have been described indetail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A releasable fastener system, comprising:a. a buckle comprising i. a base of flexible material, ii. a top memberof flexible material, the top member having a front edge, a rear edgeand an upper surface, the top member being coupled to the base at afirst leg and a second leg, iii. a channel comprising an opening betweenthe base, the top member and the first and second legs, and iv. aplurality of generally parallel slots defined in the top member, eachslot having a front side being generally straight, a rear side beingcurved and being tapered in a direction from the top member rear edgetoward the top member front edge; b. a strap configured to releasably beengaged in the channel, the strap comprising a member of flexiblematerial, the strap having a length, a width, a top surface and a bottomsurface, the strap further comprising i. a first end at one end of thelength and a second end at an opposite end of the length, ii. a sideedge at one side of the width and an opposite side edge at an oppositeside of the width, and iii. a plurality of teeth on and extendinggenerally upward from the top surface, each of said plurality of teethhaving an elongated first side wall extending generally perpendicularlyupward from the strap, and an elongated second side wall tapering fromthe first side wall in a direction from the strap first end toward thesecond end, the second side wall being curved, each of said plurality ofteeth further including a first short edge and opposing second shortedge, each short edge having a shoulder; and, c. means for disengagingthe strap from the buckle when a force asymmetrical with respect to thefirst direction is exerted on one of the strap and buckle so as to causethe plurality of generally parallel slots and said plurality of teeth todisengage thereby facilitating removal of the strap from the buckle in adirection generally opposite to the first direction, whereby theplurality of generally parallel slots are configured to engage theplurality of teeth when the strap first end and at least one of theplurality of teeth are inserted into the buckle channel in a firstdirection generally perpendicular to the plurality of generally parallelslots so as to be fastened and resist removal in a direction opposite tothe first direction.
 2. The releasable fastener system of claim 1,wherein the strap is associated with a cuff.
 3. The releasable fastenersystem of claim 2, wherein the cuff comprises an equine boot having anopen top and an open bottom and the boot is adapted to wrap around thebottom portion of a horse's leg proximate to a horse's hoof so thatedges of the boot form a seam extending from the open top to the openbottom when the boot is fastened to the horse's leg.
 4. The releasablefastener system of claim 3, wherein the equine boot is generally conicalfrustum-shaped with the open top having a narrower diameter than theopen bottom.
 5. The releasable fastener system of claim 1, whereinremoval of the strap from the buckle by the asymmetrical force isfacilitated by the buckle and strap comprising a soft flexible material.6. The releasable fastener system of claim 5, wherein the soft flexiblematerial comprises polyurethane.
 7. The releasable fastener system ofclaim 1, wherein removal of the strap from the buckle is facilitated byapplying a force to increase the opening between the base and the topmember.
 8. The releasable fastener system of claim 4, wherein the cuffhas sufficient weight to stay in a correct position with respect to thehorse's hoof and to prevent it from rotating about the hoof.
 9. Thereleasable fastener system of claim 1, wherein the top member front edgehas a boss.
 10. The releasable fastener system of claim 9, wherein theboss includes at least one means for enhancing gripping of the topmember front edge.
 11. A releasable fastener system, comprising: a. abuckle comprising i. a base of flexible material, ii. a top member offlexible material, the top member having a front edge, a rear edge andan upper surface, the top member being coupled to the base at a firstleg and a second leg, iii. a channel comprising an opening between thebase, the top member and the first and second legs, and iv. a pluralityof generally parallel teeth extending downward from the top member, eachtooth each of said plurality of teeth having an elongated first sidewall extending generally perpendicularly upward from the strap, and anelongated second side wall tapering from the first side wall in adirection from the strap first end toward the second end, the secondside wall being curved, each of said plurality of teeth furtherincluding a first short edge and opposing second short edge, each shortedge having a shoulder having a front side being generally straight, arear side being curved and being tapered in a direction from the topmember rear edge toward the top member front edge; b. a strap configuredto releasably be engaged in the channel, the strap comprising a memberof flexible material, the strap having a length, a width, a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the strap further comprising i. a first end at oneend of the length and a second end at an opposite end of the length, ii.a side edge at one side of the width and an opposite side edge at anopposite side of the width, iii. a plurality of slots defined in the topsurface, each slot having a front side being generally straight, a rearside being curved and being tapered in a direction from the top surfacetoward the top member; and c. means for disengaging the strap from thebuckle when a force asymmetrical with respect to the first direction isexerted on one of the strap and buckle so as to cause the plurality ofslots and said plurality of teeth to disengage thereby facilitatingremoval of the strap from the buckle in a direction generally oppositeto the first direction, whereby the plurality of slots are configured toengage the plurality of teeth when the strap first end and at least oneof the plurality of slots are inserted into the buckle channel in afirst direction generally perpendicular to the plurality of generallyparallel teeth so as to be fastened and resist removal in a directionopposite to the first direction.